Asiatic lily (Lilium 'Forever Susan')
Lilium 'Forever Susan' is a low-maintenance Asiatic lily offering showy, deep burgundy flowers in summer. Easy to grow in zones 4-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Asiatic lily, specifically the cultivar Lilium ‘Forever Susan’, is a highly valued, low-maintenance perennial for providing reliable summer color. This variety is celebrated for its striking, upward-facing blooms, which feature deep burgundy petals beautifully accented with vibrant orange. As a member of the robust Asiatic division, Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ is known for its vigor and ease of cultivation, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
These vigorous bulbous perennials reliably reach heights of 2 to 3 feet, fitting perfectly into the mid-border section of perennial gardens. Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ offers substantial ornamental impact when grouped, rewarding the grower with intense color throughout June and July. Their suitability for use as cut flowers further enhances their appeal, bringing the dramatic coloration indoors easily.
Established Asiatic lilies offer structural interest atop stiff stems clothed with linear leaves, acting as a strong focal point against softer plantings. Site selection is key to maximizing performance, ensuring the roots stay cool while the flowering tops receive ample sunlight in locations ranging from full sun to light afternoon shade.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Liliaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Deep burgundy flowers with orange accents
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ bulbs is best accomplished in the fall or very early spring to allow roots to establish before active growth begins. Aim to plant bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep in soil that is rich in organic matter, emphasizing the need for excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot. While these Asiatic lilies prefer medium moisture year-round, they thrive when the upper plant receives full sun while the root zone is kept cool, perhaps achieved by mulching heavily around the base.
During the growing season, maintain consistent, medium moisture; allow the soil to get slightly dry only briefly, but never let the soil completely dry out, nor should it remain waterlogged. Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ typically requires little specialized feeding, though rich, well-drained soil supports strong stems. Deadhead faded flowers to prevent seed setting, but resist the urge to prune stems immediately after bloom finishes.
Wait until the foliage and stems of the Asiatic lily naturally turn yellow before cutting them back completely after flowering concludes. Taller stalks may occasionally require staking, particularly if the plant is situated in heavy shade, which tends to weaken the stems, or in areas prone to strong winds. Planting bulbs in small drifts of three ensures the most impactful display while maintaining proper spacing of about 12 inches between clumps.
Landscape Uses
The dramatic, dark coloring of Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ makes it an excellent plant for adding sharp contrast within the perennial border during midsummer. Plant these Asiatic lilies in groups rather than singly to maximize the visual impact of the deep burgundy and orange tones against neighboring greens or softer pastels. They perform well in mixed beds where their reliable height and color profile integrate seamlessly among late-blooming perennials that emerge later in the season.
Beyond traditional perennial beds, Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ adapts beautifully to container gardening. While flowers may be slightly smaller when grown in pots, the vertical drama remains, offering a superb specimen for patios or decks. Furthermore, these lilies are highly regarded as good cut flowers; harvest stems just as the buds begin to show color for long-lasting indoor arrangements featuring the striking Asiatic lily bloom.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lilium is a genus of about 100 species of bulbous, herbaceous perennials native to Europe, North America and Asia south to the Philippines. Genus name comes from the Latin name meaning lily. ‘Forever Susan’ is an Asiatic hybrid lily that typically grows to 2-3’ tall, sporting upward-facing flowers that are deep burgundy highlighted by bright orange accents, blooming mid-June through July.
Tolerances
No specific tolerances listed.
Potential Problems
Gardeners should remain watchful for lily leaf beetles, which can be severely problematic in certain regions; early detection and control are crucial for managing this pest. Bulb rot poses a threat if the soil drainage is inadequate, requiring attention to soil composition, especially in heavy clay areas. Furthermore, botrytis and lily mosaic virus (vectoring aphids) can affect health; prompt aphid control is the best preventative measure against the often incurable virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ suitable for?
Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Asiatic lily grow?
This variety typically matures to a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread generally ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ need?
This Asiatic lily performs best when sited in full sun, though it tolerates partial or dappled shade, provided the root zone receives shading.
When does Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ bloom?
The bloom time for this Asiatic lily is generally from June to July, presenting its deep burgundy flowers with orange accents during this period.
Conclusion
The distinctive coloring and reliable, low-maintenance nature make Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ a standout performer for summer gardens. This Asiatic lily offers unparalleled contrast and structure, proving its worth as both an excellent border plant and a superb cutting flower. Before planting, confirm your garden falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and ensure your soil offers the excellent drainage this handsome bulb demands.
Companion Planting
Companion planting near Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ should focus on providing the essential shade needed around the bulb base while complementing the dark bloom color. Low-growing, shade-tolerant groundcovers like Hostas, creeping Thyme, or various low Sedums make excellent companions, helping to keep the roots of the Asiatic lily cool and moist without competing heavily for light in the upper canopy. Avoid planting aggressive spreaders that might choke out the base of the lily.
Consider pairing the dark burgundy of this specific Asiatic lily with plants offering contrasting cool colors, such as silvery Lamb’s Ears or blues like Russian Sage (if pruned appropriately to avoid excessive competition). By placing taller companions slightly to the north or west, you can ensure that the sunlight falls beautifully on the upright stems of Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ throughout its bloom period in midsummer.
Design Ideas for Bold Impact
Utilizing the strong vertical lines provided by Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ is key to achieving sophisticated design. Plant them in odd-numbered groupings—threes or fives—to establish natural-looking focal points within a larger mixed border. Their height (2-3 ft) places them perfectly behind shorter summer bloomers like Coreopsis or Ornamental Grasses, ensuring the dark, upright flowers are highly visible from a distance.
For contemporary designs, repeat the deep burgundy tones using dark-leaved Heuchera or black mondo grass planted at the base of the lilies. This repetition grounds the intense color of the Asiatic lily blooms and creates depth in the planting scheme. When used near hardscaping, the strong structure of the stems offers architectural height that complements modern lines or traditional stone walls.
